Taking part in Maths Week Scotland doesn't always require big resources. One low cost way for museums, galleries, libraries and similar organisations to get involved, is by hosting a Maths Trail. We've pulled together a step-by-step guide, with example questions and templates, to make it as easy for you as possible.
WHAT IS A MATHS TRAIL?
A maths trail is a fun way to help families explore your venue - spotting shapes and patterns, counting objects, solving puzzles, and engaging their problem solving skills as they go round. It’s not about complicated sums - it’s about noticing, comparing, estimating, and seeing that maths is all around us.
WHY OFFER A MATHS TRAIL?
It’s an engaging, low-cost activity for families and also school groups.
It brings maths to life using your existing displays or space.
It encourages observation and logical thinking.
It’s perfect for Maths Week Scotland, but can be used any time of year.
SUMMARY CHECKLIST
You don’t need much to run a successful Maths Trail. We’ve given you a step-by-step guide to download below, with examples and templates, to help you. Here’s a quick summary:
Download our 'How to Create a Maths Trail' guide
Choose a format (hanging up signs, printed sheets or digital download).
Pick 5 to 10 objects or spots around your venue.
Use our question ideas to write questions linked to those objects or spots.
Design your trail using our editable templates.
If you can, test the trail with a small group (staff kids, local families, or schools).
Print, hang, or share your trail digitally - and you’re ready to go!
Promote the trail on your website, social media, and visitor signage.
Remember: You don’t need tech, time, or a big team. Just a few signs, a bit of enthusiasm, and the maths already in your space. Let’s show families that maths is everywhere - and it’s fun!
We have created some editable templates for you, featuring Finn Finity, our Maths Week Scotland mascot. These templates are suitable for trails where you print out questions to hang around your venue.
We ask that you please do not remove the Maths Week Scotland logo from the templates. The image of the Maths Week Scotland mascot Finn Finity should only be used in conjunction with the Maths Week Scotland logo.
Canva Template
You will need a free Canva account to access this template.
Keep the “Family Maths Trail” default title OR edit to replace with your own title
Add your question where indicated
In Canva, click on “Share” in the top right, then “Download”. Make sure the “File Type” is set to PDF, then click download again and save to your computer.
Repeat for each question you need.
Word Doc Template
There are two Word Doc templates to choose from, one with the “Family Maths Trail” default trail title, and one where you can add your own title.
Add your venue’s logo next to the Maths Week Scotland logo (click next to it, insert image, resize if necessary).
If relevant, replace “ADD TRAIL TITLE” by clicking in the text box to edit it.
Add your question where indicated by clicking in the text box to edit it.
Save and print.
Repeat for each question you need.
PDF Template
If for any reason you can’t access or edit the Canva or Word Doc templates, we also have two PDF templates, which you can print off and then add your questions to either by writing them in or printing them out separately and sticking them on. One template includes the default trail title, the other is blank to add your own.
If you’d like help designing your trail, adapting questions to your venue, or sharing your finished work, get in touch with the Maths Week Scotland team.
You don’t need to be a scientist to take part in real research. Citizen science projects welcome people of all ages to help by counting, observing, measuring, and recording what they see around them. Here are a few inspiring ways you can get involved this year.
